Portugal defender Renato Veiga said he was told not to speak about Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp following the Seleção’s 4-2 win over Denmark.
Speaking after Thursday’s Nations League clash with the Danes, Veiga, who made his 21st appearance for Portugal, revealed he maintains a close relationship with Ronaldo but refused to comment on the 41-year-old’s decision to walk out of the camp.
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“I am very close to Ronaldo and he knows I have great affection for him, but I was instructed not to speak about the matter,” Veiga said.
On Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo announced that he had left the national team camp, following manager Jorge Jesus’ press conference. The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently confirmed the superstar’s departure and handed his no. 7 shirt to Rafael Leao.
Jorge Jesus doubles down on Cristiano Ronaldo situation
Jorge Jesus reiterated that he holds the final authority in the Portugal national team amid his reported fallout with Cristiano Ronaldo.
After Ronaldo’s exit from the camp, reports claimed the Al-Nassr forward felt betrayed by Jesus after the manager refused to bring him on in the 2-1 win against Norway.
Jesus had earlier said Ronaldo’s absence against Norway was part of a plan he agreed upon with the player because of his physical condition and stressed that a player’s status does not grant them different rights.
Speaking after Thursday’s win over Denmark, Jesus insisted that no player, including Cristiano Ronaldo, can make him alter his plans as the national team coach.
“I can promise whatever I want,” Jesus said. “I’m the coach, right? I’m the coach who told the player, ‘You weren’t going to play. I’ll put you on the bench. If I need you for 30 minutes, then you’ll play. If I don’t need you, then you won’t play’. Cristiano isn’t going to, and no player will ever change my ideas as a coach. Never. Right? Not him, not anyone in football. Not him. Not anyone. Not any president. Never. Zero.”
The former Al-Nassr boss also promised to “explain everything” that led to Ronaldo leaving the camp after Sunday’s game against Norway.
“I will explain everything after the last game. I have many years in football and I know that I did nothing that should have caused things to go differently. After the Norway game, we will talk about this subject. I will not hide or run away from it.”
Jesus added:
“Nobody can take away what Cristiano represents. He’s an icon and that’s not in question.”
Amid his reported fallout with the national team’s hierarchy, reports suggested that Ronaldo might retire from international football.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide
